With its sight set on dominating the liquid crystal display (LCD), and plasma display panel (PDP) market, Korean consumer electronics giant LG Electronics today launched its new range of ‘Time Machine’ TVs.The ‘Time Machine’ LCD TVs are available in 37 and 42-inches, while the plasma version comes in sizes of 42 and 50-inches.C. H. Lee, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE, maintains that as broadcasting technology changes from analog to digital, consumers’ demands from television sets is increasing.

“LCD and plasma TVs have seen explosive growth in recent years, driven by a sharp price decline and tech-savvy consumers trading in bulky CRT (cathode-ray tube) sets for sleek big-screen models LG aims to stay ahead of these demands by introducing products with cutting-edge technology,” says Lee.

LG’s ‘Time Machine’ LCD TVs are the world’s first televisions to come equipped with a built-in Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

The advanced ‘Time Machine’ feature allows users to pause, record, and replay TV programs just minutes after the original broadcast. The one-touch commercial skip features blocks out unwanted commercials with a touch of a button. The units also boast of continuous automatic recording in one-hour intervals.

A built-in 80GB hard drive can store up to 40 hours of digital standard-definition programming, eliminating the need for external storage devices.

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“LG enjoys a 25 per cent market share for plasma TVs, and more than 15 per cent for LCD TVs in the UAE and the Gulf. We expect regional plasma TV sales to grow by as much as 40 per cent as the demand for flat screen televisions increase. LG plasma TV sales grew 50 per cent in the Gulf last year, and our LCD TV sales shot up by 200 per cent,” adds Lee.

Clear Filter technology minimises dullness and eliminates the double image reflection of glass filter TVs. The LG DVR PDP’s High Definition Multimedia Interface also does away with multiple wires in favour of a single cable for all functions.

LG currently occupies the number one spot for LCD and plasma TVs in the Middle East and Africa, with a combined market share of 40 per cent. The consumer retail and digital signage sectors have driven demand for plasma TVs, along with hotels replacing old CRT sets with flat panel technology.Global LCD TV revenues rose 138 per cent on the year to a record $11.3 billion in the second quarter, representing 47 per cent of the worldwide TV market.Lee added: “LG aims to become the number one player in the global display market by 2010 with global sales of US$10 billion. To achieve this, LG will secure the largest production capability in plasma panels from its four major plants in Mexico, Poland, China and Korea. LG will also build on its region-specific R&D efforts and localised marketing.”